(Excerpt of Element Wielder) Last part of Chapter One.

    

This is the last part of chapter one.  I have spent so more time than I care to admit editing and re-editing.  Yet, everytime I read it I still find something to "fix" or change. However, it's still fun. Onward!!!!!!

   

   It wasn’t the best of training grounds, just a field of dead grass with scattered pine trees. The terrain was uneven and dozens of squirrels scurried over the grounds, but it served its purpose.     

   Falcon met his brothers gaze as he brought his sword up. Even though his brother was seventeen years old, and Falcon only twelve, anyone who saw them together would have a hard time refuting they were related. They both had the same slender nose, same light tan skin, and same curled eyelashes. 

   Falcon hands tingled with excitement as he lunged for an attack. The sound of steel clashing filled the air as their swords met. “How are you so good with a sword?” he asked, trying to maintain his stance. “You don't even like using them .”

   “Don’t worry about that,” said Albert, easily blocking another one Falcon’s attacks. “Just focus on the duel.” He then threw his sword hard into a nearby tree. Leaves rained down and the sword quivered as its sharp end dug firmly into the tree bark. He held out his hand and wind wielded his spear, which rested against the tree trunk, toward him. He held out the magnificent weapon, it stood over eleven feet in length. Its bright green shaft sparkled whether in night or day. Fastened to the end of the shaft was a sharp steel head. 

   Falcon scratched his head, pondering on the best way to get past such a long weapon. He had never been able to do it before, but today, with the memory of his mother, he knew he could do it. He grinned as he repeatedly swung his small sword at Albert, but his brother sidestepped all of his attacks with ease. 

   The sun was now close to descending behind the large green mountains of Ladria. Falcon was determined to make the most of the last few minutes he had left of light.

   “Focus,” ordered Albert. “Your head is not in the fight.” 

   “Um…sorry.” Falcon resumed his barrage of attacks. Left, right, left, right, down, up. It made no difference; wherever he attacked, he could not find an opening.

   “Stop!” ordered Albert, leaning his spear on the ancient tree.    Falcon brought his hands down to his knees as he took in deep breaths of stale air. He was drenched in sweat. His aching body begged for a break. “Tell me, Falcon, what was going through your head just now? Don’t tell me it was the fight, because I know it wasn’t.”

   I was thinking about mom and dad. I don’t remember much about that time, and you never talk about it, but I do know they were killed on this day five years ago.”

   “Why would you be thinking of them in the middle of a duel?” 

   “I can’t help it. I hear moms scream as that…that monster Shal-Volcseck murdered her. I have to become stronger for mom, and kill him for what he did to her and….” Falcon’s face muscles tightened as he pressed his lips together. He couldn’t believe he had just told his brother his plan; he had kept it a secret from him until now. 

   To his surprise, Albert simply crouched and asked, “Shal-Volcseck, huh? Tell me, how do you plan to beat the most notorious criminal in Va’siel history? How can you defeat the only known chaos wielder? And how would you kill a man who has lived over ten-thousand years and has defeated entire armies single-handedly?”

   “I don’t know,” he answered, kicking the ground under him. “I don’t know but even though most of the events of that night are a blur. Moms screams remain etched in my mind. I promised myself that night that I would never again stand by as people I care about suffer, and that I would one day kill Volcseck. I intend to keep those promises.”

(I skipped section of the story becasue I wanted to minimize the post. But I'll give a recap)

At this point the Ladria (city they live in) high council sends a messenger to collect Albert. He goes at once to see what the council wants, but he promises Falcon that he'll be back in no time.

     

    Albert strode into the nearly empty grand hall where the five council members sat awaiting his arrival. The men relaxed on cushioned throne-like chairs high up in an arc. 

   “Welcome, Mr. Hyatt,” greeted an old man who sat at the center of the men. “I am the head of the Ladria council members, councilman Masters.”

   “Greetings, councilmen. How may I be of service” asked Albert, doing his best to not breathe in the thick aroma of lavender incense. 

   “We have summoned you because we have an issue of grave importance to discuss with you. Something that may change the fate of Ladria as well as Planet Va’siel forever.” The councilman cleared his throat. “But you must promise not divulge what you hear here to anyone.”

   Albert cleared his throat. This did not sound good. “Of course I won’t, sir.”

   Councilman Masters smiled as he rubbed his white goatee. “Good, good.” He then placed his hand on the council member beside him. “Councilman Rohan, if you please.”

   “We’ve been observing you for quite some time now, Mr. Albert Hyatt,” began councilman Rohan. He was a short man with countless scars etched across his face. “Grand champion of the royal tournaments since you were just twelve years of age, owner of all the trial and strategy records at the royal academy, undefeated in battle with the highest academic grades, and not once injured in battle. Only the legendary Golden Wielder can match those feats.”

   Albert grimaced. Was this why they called me for? For a pat on the back? “I’m sorry, councilmen, but what is the point of this meeting?”

   “The point is, Mr.Hyatt,” answered councilman Masters, rising from where he sat, “is that you’re the kind of person we need to put our plan into action. A plan that will benefit everyone in Ladria for centuries to come.” Albert felt his skin crawl as his eyes and councilman Masters met. “You do want to do what is best for the people of Ladria, don’t you?”

   “Of course.”

   “Then listen well, tomorrow….” Albert stared at the dark patterned floor, not wanting to believe what the councilman was telling him. 

   “What say you?” barked councilman Masters, growing impatient by Albert’s indecision. 

   Albert remained quiet. His chest tightened as he realized what he had to do.

   The old council member leaned forward in his chair, his frail frame shaking with anger. He ground his large yellow teeth as he shouted even louder than before. “What say you, A—aaargh.” Albert’s spear drove through the councilman’s chest.

   The remaining council members made a dash for the door as they realized Albert’s intent. Before they could escape a gust of wind blew the remaining four men into the wall and pinned them in place. Their mouths opened in terror, but no sound came out. His strong wind made it impossible for them to speak or even breathe. 

    Albert pulled out his spear from councilman Masters’ chest and turned his attention to his remaining targets. The last thing they saw was his spear headed toward their hearts. He took a look around and let out a sigh of relief. Good, no survivors or witnesses. 

   The councilmen’s lifeless bodies lay motionless on the floor, surrounded by a pool of blood as Albert calmly strolled out of the chambers.

Well, that's the end of the first chapter. Feel free to leave any comments or thoughts below. Soyanora.